Canonical Chief Designer Hits the Road

Ubuntu's head designer, Ivanka Majic, is leaving for an extended motorcycle trip through America, and whether she will return to Canonical remains unclear.

In a blog post, Majic says that she plans a three month honeymoon with her ​​husband, traveling via motorcycle from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. "I am taking what I believe is officially called ‘a career break’," she writes.

Majic reflects back on time leading the design team at Canonical, saying, "Ubuntu is no longer the smart geeky kid sitting quietly at the back of the class; now it can strut through the playground with its head held high and it can be noticed."

She also acknowledges the important role the Ubuntu community plays in design. "My whole experience at Canonical has been supported and challenged by a very active and engaged community of contributors," she says. Majic says that community participation can sometimes seem overwhelming, but adds, "What starts as a feeling that everyone is telling you what to do evolves into the sure knowledge that there are people who will help you catch a dropped ball. A massive thank you to all those people."

She says that no return date to Canonical is set, but that she is leaving the design effort in capable, talented hands.